In a significant achievement for India’s indigenous defence technology, the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) AF MK1 successfully test-fired the ASTRA Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) off the coast of Chandipur, Odisha, on March 12, 2025. The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) conducted the test in collaboration with Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), and the Indian Air Force (IAF).
A Successful Demonstration of Combat Readiness
The test launch validated the missile’s ability to engage and destroy airborne targets with precision, successfully demonstrating a direct hit on a flying target. The advanced subsystems performed flawlessly, meeting all mission parameters and objectives. The test further reinforces the LCA AF MK1’s combat capability, moving it closer to full operational deployment.
ASTRA: India’s Premier Beyond Visual Range Missile
Designed and developed by DRDO, the ASTRA missile is a state-of-the-art BVRAAM that can engage enemy aircraft at ranges exceeding 100 km. Equipped with advanced guidance and navigation technologies, the missile ensures high kill probability and superior target engagement accuracy. ASTRA has already been inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF) and is a critical asset in India’s aerial combat arsenal.
A Leap Forward for the LCA AF MK1A Variant
The successful test-firing is a major step toward the induction of the LCA AF MK1A variant, which is envisioned as a technologically advanced fighter jet equipped with modern avionics, electronic warfare capabilities, and enhanced weapons integration. Further trials will be conducted to assess the missile’s full operational performance before its formal deployment.
National Leadership Applauds the Milestone
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh congratulated the DRDO, IAF, ADA, HAL, and all stakeholders involved in the successful test. Dr. Samir V Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO, also appreciated the contributions of scientists, engineers, and technicians who played a vital role in this achievement.
This milestone underscores India’s commitment to self-reliance in defence technology under the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative and reinforces the IAF’s air superiority capabilities with indigenous weapon systems. The success of ASTRA with LCA AF MK1 brings India closer to a fully indigenous fighter fleet, further enhancing national security and operational readiness.
